Hypersensitivity
The journal article I chose is called Hypersensitivity Basics (2005).
Dental hypersensitivity is one of the most common oral conditions affecting patients today. Dentinal hypersensitivity is defined as a short, sharp pain resulting from stimuli. As a dental hygienist with experience in prevention, we should always be questioning our patients about pain and/or sensitivity they may be having.
The most common theory in dentinal hypersensitivity is the hydrodynamic theory. This theory is based off of the movement of fluid within the dentinal tubules. Where it has the ability to move in any direction depending on the surrounding environment. A stimulus such as hot coffee or cold ice cream, is then contacted causing the fluid in the dentinal tubule to move in different directions. Thus causing pain to the patient. Research has proven that dentinal hypersensitivity is slightly more prevalent in women than in men. Canines are the most commonly affected tooth, followed by the premolars. What contributes to dentinal hypersensitivity? The biggest factor that contributes to hypersensitivity is gingival recession where there has been loss of enamel, therefore exposing the dentin. A common side effect to tooth whitening is dentinal hypersensitivity. Between 72%-98% of patients with dentinal hypersensitivity are periodontally involved patients. One of the first steps in preventing dentinal hypersensitivity would be to learn how to brush properly, therefore creating fewer traumas to the ginigiva. When helping to manage dentinal hypersensitivity the first and inexpensive thing to try would be over-the-counter sensitive toothpaste, containing 5% Potassium Nitrate, such as Sensodyne. We can also recommend applying fluoride varnish when they come into the office. We also want to be able to educate our patients on the proper diet they should be consuming. They should try and avoid acidic foods as much as they can, because it can further the erosion and leave the surface softer.
As a dental Hygienist this is crucial to help determine what the patient may be experiencing and how to help them get relief from their pain. Also for us understand how this works, because we will be scaling/root planning around exposed roots due to gingival recession and we do not want to cause them further discomfort. I learned how to help diagnose, prevent and manage dentinal hypersensitivty. I also learned what product you should try first in relieving the pain.
Dental hypersensitivity is one of the most common oral conditions affecting patients today. Dentinal hypersensitivity is defined as a short, sharp pain resulting from stimuli. As a dental hygienist with experience in prevention, we should always be questioning our patients about pain and/or sensitivity they may be having.
The most common theory in dentinal hypersensitivity is the hydrodynamic theory. This theory is based off of the movement of fluid within the dentinal tubules. Where it has the ability to move in any direction depending on the surrounding environment. A stimulus such as hot coffee or cold ice cream, is then contacted causing the fluid in the dentinal tubule to move in different directions. Thus causing pain to the patient. Research has proven that dentinal hypersensitivity is slightly more prevalent in women than in men. Canines are the most commonly affected tooth, followed by the premolars. What contributes to dentinal hypersensitivity? The biggest factor that contributes to hypersensitivity is gingival recession where there has been loss of enamel, therefore exposing the dentin. A common side effect to tooth whitening is dentinal hypersensitivity. Between 72%-98% of patients with dentinal hypersensitivity are periodontally involved patients. One of the first steps in preventing dentinal hypersensitivity would be to learn how to brush properly, therefore creating fewer traumas to the ginigiva. When helping to manage dentinal hypersensitivity the first and inexpensive thing to try would be over-the-counter sensitive toothpaste, containing 5% Potassium Nitrate, such as Sensodyne. We can also recommend applying fluoride varnish when they come into the office. We also want to be able to educate our patients on the proper diet they should be consuming. They should try and avoid acidic foods as much as they can, because it can further the erosion and leave the surface softer.
As a dental Hygienist this is crucial to help determine what the patient may be experiencing and how to help them get relief from their pain. Also for us understand how this works, because we will be scaling/root planning around exposed roots due to gingival recession and we do not want to cause them further discomfort. I learned how to help diagnose, prevent and manage dentinal hypersensitivty. I also learned what product you should try first in relieving the pain.
Additional Links:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3010026/
http://www.dentalcare.com/media/en-US/research_db/pdf/jcdp/waltersspr05.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3010026/
http://www.dentalcare.com/media/en-US/research_db/pdf/jcdp/waltersspr05.pdf
References:
British Dental Journal. (2003). Relief for sensitive teeth. British Dental Journal 195,413. Retrieved on: 02/08/12. Retrieved from: http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v195/n7/full/4810588a.html
Colgate. (2012). Dental Indications. Retrieved on: 02/08/12. Retrieved from: http://www.colgateprofessional.com/dental-indications
Mattana, D. (2005). Hypersensitivity Basics. Retrieved on: 02/08/12. Retrieved from: http://www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/ddhnoright.aspx?id=467&term=hypersensitivity
Sensodyne. (2012). What causes sensitive teeth. Retrieved on: 02/08/12. Retrieved from: http://us.sensodyne.com/about-sensitivity/what-causes-sensitive-teeth.aspx
British Dental Journal. (2003). Relief for sensitive teeth. British Dental Journal 195,413. Retrieved on: 02/08/12. Retrieved from: http://www.nature.com/bdj/journal/v195/n7/full/4810588a.html
Colgate. (2012). Dental Indications. Retrieved on: 02/08/12. Retrieved from: http://www.colgateprofessional.com/dental-indications
Mattana, D. (2005). Hypersensitivity Basics. Retrieved on: 02/08/12. Retrieved from: http://www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/ddhnoright.aspx?id=467&term=hypersensitivity
Sensodyne. (2012). What causes sensitive teeth. Retrieved on: 02/08/12. Retrieved from: http://us.sensodyne.com/about-sensitivity/what-causes-sensitive-teeth.aspx